‘He threw the punch because he was trying to protect his group. His intention was to punch and run.

‘It will stay with him for the rest of his life. He has not been out since and does not drink. It was a moment of madness.’

Inspector Nick Cheshire, of Norfolk Police, said last night: ‘This was an unprovoked attack which left an innocent man with serious head injuries, having been enjoying a night out with friends in Yarmouth.

‘Brzozowski was arrested a short time later and was still drunk whilst in custody.

‘The majority of people drink responsibly. But the minority who do drink to excess and behave violently or anti-socially cause a disproportionate amount of trouble and distress to the local community.’